ELLEN M. JUHRE 
MSgt Ellen M. Juhre, better know as "Pinki" retired from the military after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Reserves from 1953 to 1968 and in the Conneticut National Guard from 1977 to 1985.
The following are some of Pinki's comments!
Of course the military is not for everyone, but I would strongly urge those with any interest at all to talk with a recruiter. Regardless of motivation, be it travel, educational, comaraderie or a 'home', the military can offer all these plus much more!! As a career? Fantastic! Absolute diversification and never ending opportunities ----- I took advantage of every one. To name a few, attended five formal schools, plus completed several correspondence courses, participating and pursuing every interest. My basic MOS (specialty) was court reporter, but also served as a Drill Instructor for enlisted recruits and officer candidates, an instructor for NCO Leadership School, NCOIC in office of Legislative Assistant to the Commandant and Recruiter for the Southern New England area. Off duty activities, besides sports, was singing on Radio, TV, and operating an on-base "3-Sarge Carwash" with two of my colleagues. Being in the right place at the right time, was fortunate to receive three meritorious promotions, one of which was the first Woman Marine to be promote to a staff rank under the Corps present rank structure. Also received several letters of commendation as D.I. for "honor platoons", being instrumental in establishing a Junior NCO Club at HQMC and for leadership abilities from an Inspector General.
I know it wasn't all peaches and cream. There was some lousy times, but you know, I can't remember any of them! The friends I made are still friends, some of 40 years ago - in all different parts of the country. Thank goodness for the Postal Service, the Women Marine Association, e-mail and people like Boyd Fallwell!
Amoung the most memorable moments was the joyous occasion to have marched in President John F. Kennedy's Innaugural Parade and in the solemn procession when our country buried him.
I will always be proud to have been in the military. Feel it made me a much better person and taught me multiple intangible values that go beyond description. I would encourage every young person, male or female, to check it out!!
Conneticut National Guard is used in every State's emergency; thus, I was called to 'active' duty during the 1977/78 blizzard when our whole state was shut down. Regretted not having to drive a snow plow, but felt mighty needed handling phones and people.
Also, in another emergency, the water supply at a school for the mentally retarded was cut off completely. We had to carry water from trucks, do laundry and impose on patients in their rooms, some of whom were prone to hostility and violence--others completely helpless and so loving. We worked around the clock! What an eye-opening experience that was!
These duties resulted in two awards to our unit for the Eisenhower Trophy, two personal awards for Army Res Components Achievement Medal, and Emergency Service Ribbon. The National Guard seems to give a ribbon for almost everything, but who's complaining!! The Guard ribbons along with the Marine Good Conduct w/3 stars and National Defense (Korea & 'Nam) were mighty impressive in Dress Blues! My last billet in the Guard was Administrative Assistant to the Adjutant General---a cushy job!!
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